Apple is pushing further into the digital identity space with the launch of Digital IDs, a feature that lets iPhone and Apple Watch users create a secure identification card in the Apple Wallet app using their U.S. passport. The company has begun rolling out the feature at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, marking a significant step toward replacing traditional plastic IDs with encrypted, device-based identification.
This launch comes after months of anticipation, following Apple’s initial announcement earlier this year. The company has positioned Digital IDs as a more accessible alternative to digital driver’s licenses, especially for people whose states haven’t yet embraced digital ID systems.
Streamlining Domestic Travel With Digital ID Support
The first phase of Apple’s rollout focuses on air travel within the United States. The company says Digital IDs will be accepted initially at more than 250 TSA checkpoints, although the exact airport list has not yet been made public. Travelers heading through domestic security lines will be able to use their Digital ID on an iPhone or Apple Watch instead of presenting a physical state ID, REAL ID, or driver’s license.
The process is designed to be quick and contact-free: users simply tap or hold their device near an identity reader to transmit the needed information. The idea is to reduce friction at security lines while giving users more control over their personal data.
Despite the convenience, Apple stresses that Digital IDs are not a replacement for a physical passport, nor can they be used for international travel or border crossings. A traditional passport book is still required in those scenarios. Instead, Digital IDs are intended to serve as an additional form of identification, particularly useful for domestic flights where passports aren’t mandatory.
Filling the Gaps Left by Digital Driver’s License Adoption
Before introducing Digital IDs, Apple Wallet already supported storing digital versions of driver’s licenses in 12 states and Puerto Rico. However, many states still lack support for digital identification, leaving millions of users unable to access these features.
Digital IDs help fill that gap. Because they are based on a U.S. passport, the new feature is available to anyone with a valid passport—regardless of their home state’s digital ID policies. This makes Digital IDs accessible to a broader group of users who may not have a REAL ID or whose states have not implemented digital licensing infrastructure.
Apple had originally planned to release the feature with iOS 26, following its announcement during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). However, the launch was quietly postponed until now.
Setting Up a Digital ID: Passport Scan and Biometric Checks
Creating a Digital ID in Apple Wallet involves multiple authentication steps to ensure accuracy and security. All setup happens in the Wallet app:
- Tap the “+” button in the top corner of Apple Wallet.
- Choose Digital ID from the menu.
- Scan the photo page of the user’s physical U.S. passport.
- Scan the passport’s embedded NFC chip, which confirms the authenticity of the document.
- Take a selfie, followed by a sequence of facial and head movements, which helps match the user to their passport photo.
These steps mirror the verification methods used for adding digital driver’s licenses, ensuring that the ID stored in Apple Wallet is accurate and tamper-resistant.
Using a Digital ID at TSA Security Lanes
Once created, a Digital ID can be presented at participating TSA checkpoints by:
- Double-clicking the side button (or Home button on older iPhones) to open Apple Wallet
- Selecting the Digital ID
- Holding the device near an identity reader
Travelers never need to unlock their phone, hand it to an officer, or display their screen. The entire process is handled by secure, device-to-reader communication. This method reduces the risk of a device being lost, damaged, or accessed by someone else during an ID check.
Apple highlights that the same guidance applies to digital driver’s licenses—users should never surrender their device to a third party for identification purposes.
Built With Privacy and Security at the Center
Privacy remains a central theme in Apple’s identity-related features, and Digital IDs are no exception. According to the company, all ID data transmitted through the system is end-to-end encrypted, preventing Apple from being able to see when the ID is used or what information is shared.
Only the data specifically required for verification is transmitted to TSA readers or any future participating entity. Apple also says Digital IDs benefit from the same hardware-based protections used in Apple Pay and digital car keys, adding an extra layer of security to sensitive information.
Because identity data stays on the device until presented to a reader, users maintain full control over what information is shared and with whom.
Uncertainty About Airport Availability
While Apple says Digital IDs will initially be supported at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports, the company has not provided a list of airports that will accept the feature at launch. Adoption rates for digital identification technologies vary widely between states and airports, meaning users may need to confirm local availability before relying on the feature for travel.
As the rollout progresses, both Apple and TSA are expected to gradually expand support and provide more clarity on coverage.
Apple says Apple is pushing further into the digital identity space with the launch of Digital IDs, a feature that lets iPhone and Apple Watch users create a secure identification card in the Apple Wallet app using their U.S. passport. IDs will soon be usable beyond airports in “select businesses and organizations.” Although the company has not identified specific industries, potential partners could include:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Hotels and hospitality services
- Car rental companies
- Entertainment venues requiring age verification
- Government or municipal service providers
If adoption spreads, Digital IDs could become a widely accepted method of identification across a range of everyday settings.
